What should asthma patients know during a Coronavirus pandemic
The new respiratory coronavirus COVID-19 is particularly worrying for the 2.7 million Australians who already suffer from asthma. That's roughly one in nine people.
Viral respiratory infections, in particular those that cause the common cold, typically trigger flareups of asthma. They are the main reason for asthma episodes in both children and adults during autumn and winter.
So it's natural for asthmatics to fear they may be more at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.
Viral respiratory infections, in particular those that cause the common cold, typically trigger flareups of asthma. They are the main reason for asthma episodes in both children and adults during autumn and winter.
So it's natural for asthmatics to fear they may be more at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.
We do not yet know if asthma sufferers are at risk of more serious problems than others in the event of an infection, but they can do some things to reduce the impact of infection, whether catching a cold or a coronavirus infection.
Good asthma control
Asthma causes inflammation in the lining of the airways of the lung, and the condition is long-term for most asthma patients, adults or children. It can lead to a progressive narrowing of the alveoli, and normal lung function may no longer return.
Good asthma control is the main point to reduce future risks, and this includes:
Minor or no daily symptoms.
Not to wake up at night.
Absence of asthma attacks.
Good lung function, as you can do all your normal daily activities without any restrictions.
To reduce the risk of any respiratory viral infection, including coronavirus, you should:
Take prescribed medications every day.
Make sure you know the location of the salbutamol inhaler and confirm its shelf life.
Check with your doctor to make sure that your asthma is controlled as much as possible, and that the current medications and dosages are appropriate.
Make sure you have a written business plan for your illness, keep it close at hand, and remember that the flu vaccine is available to you.
Written action plans mean that you can intensify treatment if symptoms worsen, and they guide when to start additional treatments such as the prednisone corticosteroid anti-inflammatory cycle or when you should contact the doctor.
Your general practitioner can help you recognize the early symptoms of an asthma attack, write a new plan and discuss how best to manage your seizures so you know exactly what to do if the symptoms increase.
Your action plan should include advice for using a sprayer and separator during an asthma attack, but not airless spray.
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